One-Year MPA Option

Benefits of our One-Year MPA

  • Earn an MPA from a nationally-ranked institution
  • Save time and money by earning an MPA in only one calendar year (Start during the fall semester and finish by the end of the following summer)
  • Increase your marketability and earning potential, adding value and unique insights to future positions in any field
  • Move through the program with a cohort of highly motivated students
  • Take 5 of your 12 required courses online

Course Curriculum

Below is a sample schedule for students who entered in Fall 2024 or later.

Degree requirements and curriculum plans vary among degrees and catalog years.

 Fall: 14 credits (in-person coursework plus one online course)

  • PAFF 510: Research Design and Methods- 4 credits
  • PAFF 520: 21st Century Governance- 4 credits
  • PAFF 521: Foundations of Public Service- 4 credits
  • PAFF 526: Managing Info and Technology- 2 credits (online)

Winter: 3 credits (online coursework)

  • PAFF elective- 3 credits

Spring: 13 credits (in-person coursework)

  • PAFF 515/516/523: Evidence Based Decision Making course (choose from Program Evaluation, Performance Analysis or Policy Analysis)- 4 credits
  • PAFF 527: Budgeting and Financial Management- 4 credits
  • PAFF elective- 3 credits
  • PAFF 594: Internship (or waiver*)- 2 credits

Summer: 12 credits (online coursework)

  • PAFF 532: Project Management- 3 credits (summer term 1)
  • PAFF elective- 3 credits (summer term 1)
  • PAFF elective- 3 credits (summer term 2)
  • PAFF 589: Reflective Practitioner- 3 credits (summer term 2)

Admissions

  • Choose Public Administration MPA from the drop-down menu.
  • Admission will be made on a rolling basis, but the program has a suggested application deadline of Feb 1 for the fall start.
  • No GRE required
  • Personal Statement required (more info)
  • Resume required
  • 2 letters of recommendation required
  • Due to the accelerated pace of the curriculum and the demanding requirements for this program option, students who pursue this academic plan typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher. Applicants with significant work experience and/or strong GRE scores (while not required) are also considered for admission.
  • Information regarding admissions, applying, financial aid, housing, and program costs can be found on the Graduate School website.

Contact dpap@binghamton.edu or call (607) 777-9178 with general questions. You can also contact:

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions we get about the One-Year MPA program option. Please visit our website for more information.

What is the difference between the traditional Two-Year MPA and the One-Year MPA plan?

There are a few key differences to consider that can guide your decision of which program is the best option for you:

  • Rigorous course plan: The One-Year MPA option requires taking 12-14 credits per semester (fall, spring, and summer) plus a winter course.
  • Availability: The One-Year MPA option has required in-person courses during the fall and spring semesters and online coursework during winter and summer. If you are not available to take classes in ßÙßÇÂþ»­ during the fall and spring semesters, you will not be eligible for this program. The four-semester MPA option follows a traditional academic year and does not require summer/winter courses, but it does require you to take in-person courses during fall and spring semesters.
  • Career considerations: if you are confident of the industry/position you would like to work in post-grad, the One-Year MPA option can help you to get there faster. If you are unsure of which career(s) interest you, we recommend pursuing the four-semester MPA option, as it gives you more time to explore core courses.

What is the application deadline?

Admission will be made on a rolling basis, but the program has a suggested application deadline of February 1 for the fall start.

What are the requirements for admission?

Due to the accelerated pace of the curriculum and the demanding requirements for this program option, students who pursue this academic plan typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher. Applicants with significant work experience and/or strong GMAT/GRE scores (while not required) are also considered for admission.

While we accept GMAT and GRE scores for consideration, they are not required for our MPA program.

Are any courses offered online?

The winter and summer coursework is offered online. Fall and spring courses are held in-person on the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ campus with the exception of PAFF 526.

Are there pre-requisites?

No

Are international students eligible for this program?

International students are eligible for the program if they plan to take only one online course during their final semester (summer). This means they will need to take 3 in-person courses and one online course to finish the program within one calendar year. 

What is the cost of the program?

Students pay full-time tuition for the fall and spring semesters, and per-credit tuition for the summer and winter courses. Questions regarding costs can be directed to  Student Accounts

Apply

For more information on ßÙßÇÂþ»­ admission requirements, visit the Graduate School website.